The West Bend Current

When it comes to learning about cars, West Bend students are part of a well-oiled machine.

The West Bend High Schools automotive program makes unique opportunities accessible to students with the help of school staff, local businesses and a team of passionate auto instructors who steer the program with both hands at all times.

Gerald Sorce has instructed Autos I, II, and III for 11 years. After more than a decade of teaching, Sorce takes pride in having taught over 2000 students. He doesn’t just teach kids to succeed in the classroom, but also in related careers.

“I have a number of former students doing very well in the automotive industry, which is really a thing to be proud of,” Sorce said.

Sorce’s teaching influenced one student to return to the program to inspire a new generation of students. Alan Christianson, an alumnus of the WBHS automotive program, is now in his second year as an Auto I, Metals I and Welding I instructor.

“What used to be learning under someone as a teacher is now working with a friend, which makes teaching here a lot of fun,” Christianson said.

Although he recalls many teaching highlights, Christianson especially enjoys finals season, not because it marks the end of a semester, but because students are able to show their growth.

“Seeing where they start from and where they get at the end of 18 weeks is awesome,” Christianson said. “Seeing so much growth in this area and seeing that confidence level go up is very fun to see.”

Since many schools in the area do not offer a true automotive course, students may have trouble getting their foot in the door of the automotive industry. However, opportunities to grow in the field are far and wide for WBHS students. Students can earn dual credit, receive their Automotive Service Excellence certification and make repairs on staff vehicles rather than demo vehicles.

“We work on staff cars because it helps students to actually get experience working on engine repair, transmission, electricals and so forth, and they get to do multiple different types of repairs as they go through the class,” Sorce said.

West science teacher Matt Wanie has had his vehicle repaired by automotive students, including oil changes, tire rotations and battery replacements.

“I think it is so great that our students have this opportunity to work on vehicles,” Wanie said. “There are more cars on the road than ever and they are always going to need work done on them. The skills the students gain here by actually doing the work is so great.”

Students are also able to work closely with the community and local businesses who provide vehicles and funding, get students into the work force and help the program stay on the cutting edge with new equipment.

“The outreach and support we have from our community is unprecedented,” Christianson said. “They work hand in hand with students to make sure that they have somewhere to build a career.”

Local businesses Auto Safety Center, Jim’s Auto Body and JW Speakers are sponsoring this year’s Build Moto team, a group of automotive students who will hone their skills by working on a motorcycle provided by Harley-Davidson and compete with students from all over Wisconsin.

“It’s a big thing for a lot of students, and it’s not just automotive based,” Christianson said. “We pull in everything from graphic design to accounting, but we house it in our classroom because it’s very mechanical. It’s a fantastic opportunity not only for work skills, but also for scholarships.”

Build Moto is just one of the opportunities offered to automotive students at WBHS. Connor Redig is a student of Sorce’s Autos III class.

“The thing I enjoyed most was doing it with my classmates and having a good time,” Redig said. “What I take away from the automotive course is how I can apply it at home working on my own cars and saving myself money.”

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Photos courtesy of Gerald Sorce.